Peugeot to offer in-car Wi-Fi in 2010

Early next year, the French carmaker will offer an optional in-car wireless router that uses a HSDPA 3G modem as a backhaul.

Dubbed WiFi On Board, the box will allow the user to connect using whichever carrier he or she prefers.

At this stage, it's not clear to what extent the unit is built into the fabric of the car. Certainly, the bundled modem is connected by USB, though whether into a slot in the dash or a standalone mobile Wi-Fi router powered through the ciggie lighter isn't known.

Either way, Peugeot promised the unit will allow passengers to surf the internet and play online games while travelling. So the kids'll be too busy networking their Nintendo DSes to pester you about whether you're all there yet.

Peugeot hasn't yet said how much the device will cost, though it did say that the accessory will initially only be offered as an adjunct to the 5008. Other vehicles will get it added to their optional extras lists in due course. ®